trial by inspection

Inspection \In*spec"tion\, n. [L. inspectio: cf. F. inspection.]
   1. The act or process of inspecting or looking at carefully;
      a strict or prying examination; close or careful scrutiny;
      investigation. --Spenser.
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            With narrow search, and with inspection deep,
            Considered every creature.            --Milton.
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   2. The act of overseeing; official examination or
      superintendence.
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   {Trial by inspection} (O. Eng. Law), a mode of trial in which
      the case was settled by the individual observation and
      decision of the judge upon the testimony of his own
      senses, without the intervention of a jury. --Abbott.
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